Apparatus for preventing confinement in a vehicle trunk

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a device which installed in a vehicle that enables a vehicle trunk to be opened from the interior of the trunk and enables at least one of the tail lights to blink. The present invention can be retrofit to existing vehicles by connecting a prepared box and wiring harness to the vehicle power supply, trunk release solenoid, and taillights. The present invention has a ON/OFF switch which enables the circuit controlling the blinking of at least one tail light. A second switch activates the trunk release opening solenoid causing the trunk lock retract opening the trunk. The present invention is mounted in such a way as to be operable by an individual confined to the trunk and be concealed from the casual observer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to vehicle compartment opening devices.More particularly, the present invention relates to a device to open avehicle compartment, such as a trunk, when a person is forcibly confinedto the inside.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Many times a year individuals are forcibly confined in a vehicle trunk.During the confinement there are numerous opportunities for theindividual to escape if the trunk could be opened or a signal to theoutside world could be sent indicating a problem. While the prior artaddresses the opening of a vehicle compartment such as a trunk by aremote means, the opening of a trunk and transmission of an emergencysignal while confined within is new and unique.

Numerous innovations for Anti-Confinement Device have been provided inthe prior art that are described as follows. Even though theseinnovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes towhich they address, they differ from the present invention ashereinafter contrasted.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,631,628, titled Safety Brake Light for High ProfileVehicle, invented by Rene G. Solis, Jr., a safety brake light for highprofile vehicle including a plurality of lights. Two of the lights aresecured on opposing sides of a trailer of a high profile vehicle at alevel consistent with eye level of passenger vehicles and positioningtwo of the lights on opposing sides of the high profile vehicle at alevel consistent with eye level of trucks and buses.

The patented invention differs from the present invention because thepatented invention is a safety brake light. The patented invention lacksthe trunk opening feature of the present invention and the in trunkactivation.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,424, titled Emergency Vehicle Light Bar Assembly,invented by Stephen J. Zeligson an emergency vehicle light bar assemblyemploys first and second connected substantially horizontal elongatedframes mounted transversely across the upper surface of an emergencyvehicle. The connecting assembly is such that the second frame may besubstantially continuously vertically displaced while maintainingparallel relationship of the frames so that the emergency indicatingequipment fixed atop the second frame maintains its operational attituderegardless of the elevation to which the second frame is raised.Reciprocable operation of the connecting assembly may be accomplished byelectric, hydraulic, pneumatic or manual drive systems.

The patented invention differs from the present invention because thepatented invention is an emergency vehicle light bar which is attachedto the roof of an emergency vehicle. The patented invention lacks thetrunk opening feature of the present invention and the in trunkactivation capability.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,276,594, titled Add-on Vehicle Safety Light Monitor.invented by Mark E. Burkett an add-on vehicle light monitor includes alight pipe formed of a light coupling transparent material and having aninput end and an output end. The light pipe is configured to besupported upon the vehicle body at a position in which the input end isapproximate to the to-be-monitored light source and the output end isviewable by the vehicle driver or operator. In one embodiment, anaperture is formed within the vehicle taillight lens to permit the inputend to be inserted into the vehicle light assembly. In an alternateembodiment, the input end is fabricated so as to be flush mountable tothe light assembly lens without the need for forming an aperturetherein.

The patented invention differs from the present invention because thepatented invention is an add-on vehicle light monitor which consists ofa light pipe viewable by the vehicle driver. The patented inventionlacks the trunk opening feature of the present invention and the intrunk activation capability.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,903,174, titled Vehicle Emergency Light Kit, inventedby Edward Busby an emergency rear light kit for temporary installationon the back of a vehicle or trailer provides lights for a vehicle whenthe vehicle lights fail. The kit has two rear light units that can beeasily mounted on the back of a vehicle or trailer, a control box withmanual switches to operate indicator, brake and tail lights. Anextension cable with plug and socket is provided to suit all lengths ofvehicle and trailer.

The patented invention differs from the present invention because thepatented invention is an emergency rear light kit which provides lightsfor a vctidcle when the vehicle lights fail. The patented inventionlacks the trunk opening feature of the present invention and the intrunk activation capability.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,054,789, titled Vehicle Safety Light, invented byFrances Romanelli a vehicular warning light mounted in a storageposition on a bracket in the interior of the trunk of a motor vehicle.The bracket is attached to the trunk cover. Upon lifting the trunk coverand closing a switch mounted on the dashboard of the vehicle, a flashingred light is activated and a latch retracted to enable the light topivot to a use position in a substantially vertical plane.

The patented invention differs from the present invention because thepatented invention is a vehicular warning light which is in the interiorof the trunk lid. The patented invention is deployed after lifting thetrunk lid and activating a switch on the vehicle dash board. Thepatented invention lacks the trunk opening feature of the presentinvention and the in trunk activation capability.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,020,047, titled Emergency Vehicle Light, invented byOliver Burland an emergency vehicle light wherein an elongated plasticglobe is secured to an elongated base for mounting atop the vehicle, theglobe being generally obround in plan having longitudinally extendingsidewalls and hemicylindrical end walls, the sidewalls being equippedwith stepped internal ribs to support placards so as to transmitdifferent visual images than from lights within the globe.

The patented invention differs from the present invention because thepatented invention is an emergency vehicle light which is mounted on theroof of an emergency vehicle. The patented invention lacks the trunkopening feature of the present invention and the in trunk activationcapability.

In U.S. Pat. No. D335,359, titled Retractable Emergency Trouble Lightfor Motor Vehicle, invented by Bryan A. Grubb an ornamental design for aretractable emergency trouble light for a motor vehicle, as shown anddescribed.

In U.S. Pat. No. D334,820, titled Auxilary Vehicle Emergency Light,invented by Kyung C. Lce an ornamental design for an auxiliary vehicleemergency light, as shown and described.

In U.S. Pat. No. D316,684, titled Emergency Light with Integral SuctionCup for Attachment to Vehicle Window, invented by Peter Bonadonna anornamental design for an emergency fight with integral suction cup forattachment to a vehicle window, as shown and described.

The above three patented inventions differs from the present inventionbecause the patented inventions are ornamental designs for lights whichare mounted external to a vehicle. The patented inventions lacksfeatures that are similar to the present invention.

Numerous innovations for Anti-Confinement Device have been provided inthe prior art that are adapted to be used. Even though these innovationsmay be suitable for the specific individual purposes to which theyaddress, they would not be suitable for the purposes of the presentinvention as heretofore described.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a device which installed in a vehicle thatenables a vehicle trunk to be opened from the interior of the trunk andenables at least one of the tail lights to blink. The present inventioncan be retrofit to existing vehicles by connecting a prepared box andwiring harness to the vehicle power supply, trunk release solenoid, andtaillights. The present invention has an ON/OFF switch which enables thecircuit controlling the blinking of at least one tail light. A secondswitch activates the trunk release opening solenoid causing the trunklock retract opening the trunk. The present invention is mounted in sucha way as to be operable by an individual confined to the trunk and beconcealed so the casual observe cannot see it.

The types of problems encountered in the prior at are opening of thetrunk of a vehicle from the inside.

In the prior art. unsuccessful attempts to solve this problem wereattempted namely: switches located in the driver compartment whichactivate a trunk release device none of the prior art specificallyaddresses opening of a trunk form the inside in an emergency. However,the problem was solved by the present invention because a trunk openingdevice is provided in a side the trunk which is activated by a personconfined therein. Further, the present invention includes a circuitrywhich causes the tail lights of the vehicle to blink providing a visualindication that there is a problem. The tails lights may be programed totransmit a message via a code such as SOS In Morse Code.

The present invention went contrary to the teaching of the art in whichthe trunk opening device is located in the driver compartment of thevehicle and a second release is located inside the trunk.

The present invention solved a long felt need for a way of escaping fromthe trunk of a vehicle when involuntarily confined within a trunk.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a trunklid release device located in the trunk.

More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide aelectronic circuit which causes the rear tail lights to blink.

In keeping with these objects, and with others which will becomeapparent hereinafter, one feature of the present invention resides,briefly stated, in a power connection which is made to a source which isnot interrupted by the ignition switch.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, a momentaryswitch activates the trunk latching mechanism releasing the trunk lid.

Another feature of the present invention is that at least one tail lightis connected to a power source through a circuit which when activatedcauses the tail light to blink.

Yet another feature of the present invention is that a microchip isprogramed to cause a light to blink a distress code.

Still another feature of the present invention is that the electronics,and switches are contained in a housing.

The novel features which are considered characteristic for the inventionare set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however,both as to its construction and its method of operation, together withadditional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood fromthe following description of the specific embodiments when read andunderstood in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view of a vehicle containing ananti-confinement device (10).

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a vehicle trunk having an anti-confinementdevice (10) mounted therein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1 which is a cross sectional view of a vehicle (28)containing an anti-confinement device (10) and FIG. 2 which is a bottomview of a vehicle trunk (28A) having an anti-confinement device (10)mounted. The anti-confinement device (10) is installable on an insidesurface of a vehicle trunk (28A) of a vehicle (28) functioning toprevent a person from being locked therein. The anti-confinement device(10) comprises a housing (12) which is material selected from a groupconsisting of plastic, plastic composite, metal, metal alloy, epoxy,fiberglass, carbon-graphite, rubber, rubber composite, wood, and woodcomposite.

The anti-confinement device (10) further comprises a microchip (20)which is contained within the housing. The microchip (20) iselectrically connected at one distal end to a left tail light electricalline (22L) which is electrically connected at an opposite distal end toa vehicle left tail light (28L). The microchip (20) is furtherelectrically connected at one distal end to a right tail lightelectrical line (22R) which is electrically connected at an oppositedistal end to a vehicle right tail light (28R). The microchip (20) isfurther electrically connected at one distal end to a trunk latchelecrical line (24) which is electrically connected at an oppositedistal end to an electronic trunk latch (30). The microchip (20) isfurther electrically connected at one distal end to a positiveelectrical line (26A) which is electrically connected at an oppositedistal end to a vehicle power means (28B). The microchip (20) is furtherelectrically connected at one distal end to a negative electrical line(26B) which is electrically connected at an opposite distal end to aground.

The anti-confinement device (10) still further comprises a first switchwhich is electrically connected to the microchip (20). The first switchis a toggle switch (18). When the first switch is activated, a firstelectrical impulse is transmitted through the trunk latch elecrical line(24) opening the electronic trunk latch (30). A second electricalimpulse is 60 transmitted through the left tail light electrical line(22L) and the right tail light electrical line (22R) functioning toflash the vehicle left tail light (28L) and the vehicle right tail light(28R) indicating an emergency condition exists in the vehicle.

The microchip (20) may cause the vehicle left tail light (28L) andvehicle right tail light (28R) to blink a distress code such as SOS inMorse Code.

The anti-confinement device (10) still further comprises a second switchwhich is electrically connected between the positive electrical line(26A) and a light (16). When the second switch is activated, the light(16) is turned ON. The second switch is a push button switch (14).

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or twoor more together, may also find a useful application in other types ofconstructions differing from the type described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in aAnti-Confinement Device, it is not intended to be limited to the detailsshown, since it will be understood that various omissions,modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of thedevice illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled inthe art without departing in any way from the spirit of the presentinvention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist ofthe present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge,readily adapt it for various applications without omitting featuresthat, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essentialcharacteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent isset forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An anti-confinement device (10) installable on aninside surface of a vehicle trunk (28A) of a vehicle (28) preventing aperson from being locked therein, the anti-coafinement device (10)comprising: A) a housing (12); B) a microchip (20) contained within thehousing, the microchip (20) is electrically connected at one distal endto a left tail light electrical line (22L) which is electricallyconnected at an opposite distal end to a vehicle left tail light (28L),the microchip (20) is further electrically connected at one distal endto a right tail light electrical line (22R) which is electricallyconnected at an opposite distal end to a vehicle right tail light (28R),the microchip (20) is further electrically connected at one distal endto a trunk latch elecrical line (24) which is electrically connected atan opposite distal end to an electronic trunk latch (30), the microchip(20) is further electrically connected at one distal end to a positiveelectrical line (26A) which is electrically connected at an oppositedistal end to a vehicle power means (28B), the microchip (20) is furtherelectrically connected at one distal end to a negative electrical line(26B) which is electrically connected at an opposite distal end to aground; C) a first switch is electrically connected to the microchip(20), when the first switch is activated, a first electrical impulse istransmitted through the trunk latch elecrical line (24) opening theelectronic trunk latch (30), a second electrical impulse is transmittedthrough the left tail light electrical line (22L) and the right taillight electrical line (22R) functioning to flash the vehicle left taillight (28L) and the vehicle right tail light (28R) indicating anemergency condition exists in the vehicle; and a second switch iselectrically connected between the positive electrical line (26A) and alight (16), when the second switch is activated, the light (16) isturned ON.
 2. The anti-confinement device (10) as described in claim 1,wherein the second switch is a push button switch (14).
 3. Theanti-confinement device (10) as described in claim 1, wherein the firstswitch is a toggle switch (18).
 4. The anti-confinement device (10) asdescribed in claim 1, wherein the microchip (20) causes the vehicle lefttail light (28L) and vehicle right tail light (28R) to blink a distresscode.
 5. The anti-confinement device (10) as described in claim 4,wherein the distress code is SOS in Morse Code.
 6. In a vehicle havingexternal lights and a trunk movable between open and closed conditions,a device comprising a switch accessible for actuation by an occupantenclosed in the trunk for actuating one or more of the external lights,the one or more of the external lights observable from outside the trunkin the closed condition.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the switch iscoupled electrically to one or more of the lights.
 8. The device ofclaim 6, wherein the switch comprises a toggle switch.
 9. The device ofclaim 6, further including a microchip for causing one of more of thelights to blink a distress code in response to actuation of the switch.10. The device of claim 9, wherein the microchip is coupled electricallyto the switch.
 11. The device of claim 9, wherein the microchip iscoupled electrically to one or more of the lights.
 12. In vehicle havinglights and an electronic latch for engaging a lid to enclose a trunk, adevice comprising a switch mounted to the vehicle and accessible foractuation by an occupant enclosed in the trunk for actuating at leastone of (a) the electronic latch to release the lid and (b) one or moreof the lights.
 13. The device of claim 12, wherein the switch is coupledelectrically to the electronic latch.
 14. The device of claim 12,wherein the switch is coupled electrically to one or more of the lights.15. The device of claim 12, wherein the switch comprises a toggleswitch.
 16. An assembly comprising: a vehicle trunk and an electroniclatch movable between a first condition to define a closed condition ofthe vehicle trunk and a second condition to define an open condition ofthe vehicle trunk; and a switch mounted to the trunk, the electroniclatch movable between the first and second conditions in response toactuation of the switch from within the vehicle trunk.
 17. The assemblyof claim 16, wherein the switch is coupled electrically to theelectronic latch.
 18. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the switchcomprises a toggle switch.
 19. An assembly comprising: a vehicle havingexternal lights and a trunk movable between an open condition and aclosed condition, one or more of the external lights movable between afirst condition and a second condition for emitting a stimulus; and aswitch mounted to the vehicle, the one or more of the external lightsmovable between the first and second conditions in response to theactuation of the switch from within the trunk, the stimulus observablefrom outside the trunk in the closed condition.
 20. The assembly ofclaim 19, wherein the switch is coupled electrically to the one or moreof the external lights.
 21. The assembly of claim 19, wherein the switchcomprises a toggle switch.
 22. The assembly of claim 19, wherein thestimulus comprises a flashing stimulus.
 23. The assembly of claim 22,further including a microchip for causing the one of more of theexternal lights to emit the flashing stimulus in response to actuationof the switch.
 24. The assembly of claim 23, wherein the microchip iscoupled electrically to the switch.
 25. The assembly of claim 24,wherein the microchip is coupled electrically to the one or more of theexternal lights.
 26. In a vehicle having a trunk and an electronic latchmovable between a first condition to define a closed condition of thetrunk and a second conditon to define an open condition of the trunk,apparatus comprising a switch mounted to the trunk, the electronic latchmovable between the first and second conditions in response to acutationof the switch from within the trunk.
 27. Apparatus of claim 26, whereinthe switch is coupled electrically to the electronic latch. 28.Apparatus of claim 26, wherein the switch comprises a toggle switch. 29.In a vehicle having external lights and a trunk movable between an opencondition and a closed condition, apparatus comprising a switch mountedto the vehicle, one or more of the external lights movable into anenergized condition in response to actuation of the switch from withinthe trunk, the one or more of the external lights observable fromoutside the trunk in the closed condition.
 30. Apparatus of claim 29,wherein the switch is coupled electrically to one or more of theexternal lights.
 31. Apparatus of claim 29, wherein the switch comprisesa toggle switch.
 32. Apparatus of claim 29, wherein the energizedcondition comprises a blinking condition of the one of more of theexternal lights.
 33. In a vehicle including external lights and trunkhaving a lid and an electronic latch movable between a first conditionfor engaging the lid to define a closed condition of the trunk and asecond condition for releasing the lid to define an open condition ofthe trunk, apparatus comprising a switch mounted to the vehicle, one ormore of (a) the electronic latch movable between the first and secondconditions in response to actuation of the switch from within the trunk,and (b) one or more of the external lights movable into an energizedcondition in response to acutation of the switch from within the trunk.34. Apparatus of claim 33, wherein the switch is coupled electrically tothe electronic latch.
 35. Apparatus of claim 33, wherein the switch iscoupled electrically to one or more of the external lights. 36.Apparatus of claim 33, wherein the switch comprises a toggle switch. 37.In a vehicle including a trunk that can be opened and closed with anelectronic latch, a device comprising: an electronic latch release unitmovable between a first position that permits the electronic latch toclose the trunk and a second position that permits the electronic latchto open the trunk; and to permit the trunk to be opened from within thetrunk, an actuating unit mounted to the vehicle for causing theelectronic latch release unit to assume the second position.
 38. Thedevice of claim 37, wherein the actuating unit is coupled electricallyto the release unit.
 39. The device of claim 37, wherein the actuatingunit comprises a switch.
 40. The device of claim 37, wherein theactuating unit is electrically connected to at least one light of thevehicle for actuating the light.
 41. A device for unlocking a latch of atrunk of a vehicle to enable an individual locked in the trunk to escapeconfinement comprising: an electronic actuator for unlocking the latch;and means mounted to the vehicle for actuating the electronic actuatorfrom within the vehicle trunk.
 42. The device of claim 41, wherein themeans is coupled electrically to the electronic actuator.
 43. The deviceof claim 41, wherein the means comprises a switch.
 44. The device ofclaim 41, wherein the means comprises a switch engagable by theindividual to open the trunk lid.
 45. A method for providing the excapeof an individual locked in a trunk of a vehicle comprising the steps of:providing the vehicle with an electronic latch; mounting an actuatingunit to the trunk; and actuating the actuating unit from within thetrunk to actuate the electronic latch.
 46. The method of claim 45,further comprising the step of electrically linking the electronic latchto the actuating unit.
 47. The method of claim 45, wherein the step ofactuating the actuating unit from within the trunk further includes thestep of actuating an electrical switch.